Humata, Hukhta, Huvareshta. Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds…the practice of this is the central tenet of the Zarathushtrian Faith, the path of Asha.

Asha is often described as the law of the cosmos, or the way things ought to be. This has implications in both the physical and spiritual world. These worlds are called menog and getig, respectively. Adherence to the path of Asha with focus on good thoughts, words, and deeds determines the level of happiness we enjoy and cause in others. When one aspires to think, speak, and do good, they work toward a perfect state of content, happiness and peace called Kshathra Vairya. Therefore we are called to action to bring about this state in both ourselves and everyone around us. In the Ashem Vohu, one of the most popular Zarathushti prayers, we recognize that:

Righteousness is the highest virtue. Enlightened happiness to one who follows the path of Asha.

Happiness is the result of right choices–ethical, sound choices–that not only lead to one’s personal happiness, but an enlightened happiness in oneself and others. If we take a closer look at the three-step program of good thoughts, words, and deeds, we see that these steps are in fact progressive.

The path of Asha begins with our thoughts. Although the first step, it is often the most difficult. At times when I feel the most stressed, I find it difficult to use that negative energy and turn it into a positive outlook. You might consider this transformation as turning a glass that was once half empty into half full. What about a real life situation? My Baha’i training showed me that in all situations, no matter how dark, we must focus on the single point of light that exists in all. I think this is where Good Thought comes in. Regardless of the situation, we must work on “becoming wonderful”, the perfect state of Asha Zarathushtra refered to as frashokereti, a state in which evil and negativity is completely vanquished. This struggle begins with our minds.

Our next step is to train our words–which are the manifestations of our thoughts–to reflect our Good Thoughts. How much easier is it for us to lash out in anger or frustration rather than take a breath, train our thoughts, and release Good Words instead? Life is full of opportunities to succumb to anger and malice. When was the last time you participated in gossip or backbiting? Would you consider your words to be good? We must remember that our words can take one of two forms: once spoken, they either become bricks that build up the life of another, or a hammer that brings them down. What will your words be today?

The final step is the concrete expression of our Good Thoughts and Good Words. Zarathushtra said:

May we be like those who bring the world toward perfection.

This invocation must begin with a thought–a conscious effort to set oneself to action. Next, the words themselves are a proclamation of intention. Finally, we have the verb “bring” to deliver “perfection” to the world. “Bring to perfection” is the ultimate Good Deed in the Zarathushti Faith. Perfection here should not be mistaken for an exclusive spiritual sense. Zarathushtra discovered a monotheistic faith based on tenets of universal morality. Good Thought, Words, and Deeds, transcend one’s spiritual orientation and thus can be agreed upon and practiced by all. Zarathushtra enjoins everyone to participate in the work toward frashokereti. Indeed, because this is the highest calling of all Zarathushtis and by extension, all mankind, one may reach the ultimate spiritual goal, Ameretat (“best consciousness”, immortal bliss) after our bodily death by following the universal path of Asha.

So I challenge you, how can you transform your thoughts today? How can you then use those positively charged thoughts and project them as words? Finally, what will you physically do to bring about frashokereti? The eradication of evil in the world–of negativity and animosity–begins with you.